Shootall, you wanted to know why people like plastic guns so just how is my telling you my reasons going off topic? To satisfy you I went as far as to compare the PF-9 to your J frame Smith which you, not I, brought into the conversation. However, comparing plastic guns to all metal ones is pertanent to your question. In reality, you asked a question and then proceeded to answer it yourself (in your opinion);
You have a gun that is cheap to build, cheap to buy , cheap to repair and cheap to replace.
They are all low budget guns ment for either police- military budgets or people who wanr a cheap gun.
That's rather broad statements for someone who says they don't care what someone else carries. Fact is that people like them for a wide variety of reasons which I'm sure you already know. I'm positive I'm not the only one who owns one because it is light to carry, easy to conceal, is well made, has way better than average accuracy, has outstanding reviews ( both private & proffesional), and yes, is affordable. With affordable being just one of many reasons to own it. No, I wouldn't necesarily use mine as a club but as to durability? The Kel Tecs, aka plastic guns, have exceeded both comercial and military tests. They have been dropped, on hard surfaces, from over 12 foot high without breaking nor going off. Better than some all metal guns might do. That answer your question why people like them? You clearly stated that the main reason you don't like them is their looks. Just what does pretty looks have to do with function? For myself, I buy most of my firearms to use not to look at. Plasic is plastic, whether on a long arm or short. My son has a very nice Ruger All Weather Mark II 7mm mag. It was designed to be tough in all conditions. So, do you consider it a cheap fiream made for low budget law enforcement or military? Clearly there are some very good reasons for such firearms long and short.